Should I be getting some type of baby wrap or sling?

[Carlito's_wife]

I have recently been looking online at baby slings and wraps. I think one would be a great help to me since I will want to hold the baby all the time but then I will need two free hands for DD1.

So has anyone used any of these types of things before and what do you all recomend? I have been looking at the moby wraps. They look very verisatile. I especially liked that they could be worn in a way to hold baby to feed and would give some privacy.

[MandyB]

I have tried all kinds of different baby slings and baby carriers. My absolute favorite sling has always been and is still the ring sling! I have one that a friend made for me (they're super easy to make and cheap to make too) when my 4yr old was born. I like the "ring" slings so much better because you can get the baby in there good and tight, so you don't have to support her or feel like she's going to fall out when you're bending over to help your other DD. They're super comfy and mine even has little pockets to put stuff in, like your keys, wallet, a diaper, etc. OH, and the ring also comes in handy to clip baby toys onto when they get a little bigger. My DD's both lived in their slings way into toddlerhood! Good luck!

[MamaMonica]

Moved to Babywearing

[Serenyd]

I really like my new babyhawk! I think a moby-type sling would be good for a newborn, I haven't tried mine yet though. You can make one fairly easily out of a few yards of stretchy material if you are on budget. There are instructions on the net. Here's one: http://www.nandu.hu/english/practical/babycarrier.htm

Youtube also has lots of videos on how to tie different slings.

[zjande]

I don't know how I'd even be able to parent without a sling! I prefer a Moby wrap for my newborns (Baby's super secure & I have both my hands free), and Maya ring sling for my olders. I use the ring sling til they're about 3 generally.

[baturay]

Originally Posted by Carlito's_wife

will want to hold the baby all the time but then I will need two free hands for DD1.

Babywearing is perfect for this! It makes mothering so much easier, especially when you have more than one to care for.

I've worn my kids since birth and have tried soooooo many baby carriers it's not even funny. But, one thing I've learned is that what I prefer may be completely different than what you may prefer. So, if possible, I'd find a local babywearing group and try on carriers locally.

Most mamas though (including me) really like having a ring sling and/or a wrap. You can position baby exactly how you need him to be and with a woven wrap in particular (not a stretchy though) you can learn (with practice) to do a high back carry from the beginning, which makes it even that much easier to care for your older one, while baby sleeps on your back. But, even if you don't venture into back carries, then you can still have your baby nice and comfy on your side or front with either a ring sling or a wrap and he can be in there upright or semi reclined.

[Adasmommy]

If I could only have one baby item, it would absolutely be a woven wrap! It made life so much easier with my dd and know those benefits will be much greater when my little one gets here in December because it will allow me to stay available to my five year old!

You're right that a wrap is awesome for hands free nursing and privacy.

[russsk]

I like the Moby for a newborn, but it's too stretchy once they get bigger. It's really soft, though, so great for tiny babies. I love my ring sling, but ds hated it until he was big enough to sit on my hip. He has always hated being cradled in a sling, preferring to be upright. So I would start out with a wrap, which is really versatile, and then possibly add a mei tai or ring sling (or both) once baby is a little bigger and you know how s/he likes to be worn.

[Carrruth]

You're definitely in the write place now! Yes, get a carrier!!! You will love being able to hold your baby and still be active!

Mobys are great for newborns and stretch wraps are my favorite for that age. But you'll want to get another carrier once they get heavier. Woven wraps can be used as long as you want to carry your LO, but they take a little more patience to learn how to use because they aren't stretchy.

Ring Slings are super convenient and great to have, but are better for short carries once baby gets heavier because all the weight is on one shoulder.

Mei Tais and soft structured carriers are two shoulder carriers, so more supportive for heavy babies. Most of these can't be used for newborns though.

So that's a quick summery! There is a TON of information on The Babywearer. They also have a forum and reviews for carriers.

But if you're just looking for something that will work for you right now, get a Moby! I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

[confustication]

I have a 2 week old, a one year old, and a 7 year old. Additionally, I only took a few days away from work, so the tiny one goes into the office with me while I'm there.

I have a ring sling, a moby, a gauze wrap, and a mei tai. At this point, I use the moby most of the time with him though if I plan to nurse in the carrier, I find that a ring sling works better for me. I have pretty large breasts though, and I have never mastered nursing in anything else.

I love the ring sling- and still use it for my 14 month old (almost 15 month old!) non-walker who is rapidly approaching 30lbs. I do want to get a SSC as well as a woven wrap for the older child as if you happen to have a heavy young toddler as I do, the ring sling gets uncomfy with a longer carry, the woven wrap digs in a bit funny, the mob isn't a consideration as it would be uncomfortble very quickly, and the meitai- while a great option, doesn't have all the padding a SSC does, and doesn't spread the weight over as large an area as the woven wrap would.

[ann_of_loxley]

I would deff recommend a wrap. Very versatile, you can breastfeed in them as well and they will last ages.
Go for a woven wrap. You can not go wrong with a Didymos. Go on 'thebabywearer.com' forums - they have a sale/trade section. You can get more advice there (specific) and find a sling for a bargain!